Queens native Betty Lugo, a founding partner in the first Latina-owned law firm in New York City, is running for Queens District Attorney.

Lugo served as prosecutor in the Manhattan, Albany and Nassau County DA’s Offices before starting Pacheco & Lugo.

“Queens really needs a well rounded person who cares about victims and families,” she told the Eagle. “Queens needs outreach, education, help with mental illness, veterans courts and all people should be treated the same.”

“Low level offenses should not be prosecuted,” she said. “This DA is too busy prosecuting turnstile jumping and marijuana when they should be prosecuting violent crimes.”

Lugo was born in Elmhurst and lives in Middle Village.

She joins a crowded field of contenders for the Democratic nomination for DA. Public defender Tiffany Cabán, Borough President Melinda Katz, Councilmember Rory Lancman, former Judge Gregory Lasak, former Civilian Complaint Review Board Director Mina Malik and State Attorney General’s Office prosecutor Jose Nieves have each declared their candidacies and begun fundraising.